Graham Makes Chizik Look Good, Rhoads Won't Leave for Pitt, Winter Golfing in Iowa

Todd Graham isn't the first coach to bolt town leaving behind broken hearts and promises, and he won't be the last, but he is the most the most egregious example. Graham stayed at Pittsburgh one season. One. He leaves the Panthers for his fourth job in six years. He didn't have time to tell his players in person. He sent them a text. Graham did find time to hit a photog's studio to pose for pictures as the new head coach of Arizona State. ASU needs to get that out to recruits, along with Graham's certain message of commitment, loyalty, and integrity. The same message Panthers players say he gave them a year ago...

Graham's record at Pitt was 6-6, but should have been 7-5. Graham's time management, or lack thereof, at Iowa allowed the Hawkeyes back into the game. James Vandenberg and the Hawkeyes still had to make plays, and they did...

Pitt now needs a coach with character. Virtually all speculation lists have Iowa State's Paul Rhoads at the top. That makes sense. Rhoads is a hot name, and a former assistant at Pittsburgh. I'd be stunned if Pittsburgh's AD didn't at least pursue Rhoads. I'd be equally surprised if Rhoads had any real interest. It's going to take more than Pitt to get him away from home. ISU may want to get that new contract in front of him, just in case...

Jon Miller of Hawkeye Nation thinks Kirk Ferentz's next defensive coordinator will come from within. Miller says Phil Parker is his pick to succeed the retiring Norm Parker (the Parkers are not related). Many Hawk fans would like to see some new blood and fresh ideas...

Kyle Orton will make his first start for the Chiefs Sunday against the Packers. If Orton's trigger finger isn't ready, the Chiefs will turn to former Hawkeye Ricky Stanzi. Fired coach Todd Haley seemed to avoid giving Stanzi a shot at all costs, even as Tyler Palko stunk the joint up, so at least Stanzi's in the conversation for the first time. We know what we're getting with Orton, steady if not spectacular, but who knows with Stanzi? Be fun to find out, though taking on the Packers isn't an ideal baptism...

Bob Seger Tuesday night. Kenny Wayne Shepherd Wednesday night. These are good music options for weekdays in central Iowa...

Chris Hassel did a story on the new inside/out winter golfing facility at Legacy Golf Club in Norwalk. You can hit golf balls from inside a heated facility, but actually have them fly and land outside. Cool. Anyway, I learned there's a similar place in Newton. It's the Fore Seasons Golf Center & Lounge. They seem like nice people too. Here's a picture:

Fore!